Tom Thibodeau disputes Mikal Bridges’ statement about reducing Knicks starters’ minutes following game-winner

Knicks HC Tom Thibodeau does not hold back after his star Mikal Bridges made concerning remarks during recent matchup.

Tom Thibodeau disputes Mikal Bridges’ statement about reducing Knicks starters’ minutes following game-winner

Mikal Bridges and Tom Thibodeau

Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks generated a few waves on Wednesday with his comments on minutes distribution. He fueled the flames of Tom Thibodeau’s critics, who believe the starters have played too much and would tire. However, Thibodeau, the Knicks HC, is no less. He offered a fiery response in his recent press conference regarding Bridges’ comments.

Thibodeau addressed Bridges’ concerns at a media session before Wednesday’s game versus the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite Bridges’ plea for fewer minutes along with additional bench time, Thibodeau insisted that he had not spoken with Bridges about his playing time. He also stated that the decision to increase the minutes of his starters was necessary given the team’s present makeup.

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I didn’t have a conversation with him about it. But the facts are the facts.

Tom Thibodeau said

Thibodeau used the opportunity to underline that players like Jalen Brunson, who has been dealing with an ankle ailment. Also, Karl-Anthony Towns has been playing a lot of minutes and is functioning at a high level, similar to other NBA stars. He emphasized that the minutes for such players are consistent with the requirements set by other elite players throughout the league.

His reasoning seems to focus on the need to keep his top players on the court. Thibodeau stated that players like Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby must play significant minutes to compete with such guys. He also emphasized that the nature of the current game necessitates that these players be on the court as often as possible.

It’s important to note that the Knicks are a solid title contender this season. They are going toe-to-toe with the likes of the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Taking this into consideration, Bridges does have a point regarding ‘handling’ the minutes of the star players.

Josh Hart clears the air regarding Mikal Bridges’ recent remarks

Nevertheless, Mikal Bridges replied with one of his greatest performances since joining the New York Knicks, scoring 33 points. This was including the game-winning buzzer-beater in overtime, in a 114-113 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Notably, his teammate Josh Hart calmed concerns about his postgame comments.

We know Kale. We know where his(Mikal Bridges) heart is. It’s background noise. We’re all locked in

Josh Hart said

In addition, Jalen Brunson failed to make the last three games, which means Bridges will have to take on additional offensive responsibilities, as he did with the Brooklyn Nets. He performed admirably in that capacity versus the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.

With the win, the Knicks improved to 42-23 overall and remained securely in the third spot in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks will take on the Golden State Warriors on Saturday before returning home to face the Miami Heat on Monday.